The earth’s freshwater supply is fixed, while global water demand is
growing. However, with each passing year the quality of the planet’s
water deteriorates measurably. The need for pure water has become an
area of global concern as individuals, communities, industries, nations,
and their national institutions strive for ways to keep this essential
resource available and suitable for use. Over the past 40 years, RO
systems have emerged as an effective solution to transform saline,
brackish, and contaminated water into a useable and/or potable product.

The water treatment market remains a fragmented, but highly
competitive industrial sector. This is due to the number of competing
technologies, both advanced and traditional, as well as the many
components that may be needed to make up any one system.

This BCC Research report evaluates the global markets for RO system
components, including pretreatment cartridges, pumps, pressure
vessels/housings, RO membrane modules, and ancillary elements such as
skids, valves, and gauges.

The report studies the water needs and the role of RO in meeting
these requirements for five global regions: Middle East/Africa, North
America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America/Caribbean. Since the
last version of this report was published, the Asia-Pacific region has
overtaken the U.S. to emerge as the global leader in expenditures for RO
equipment. According to BCC Research, the value of the Asia-Pacific
market for RO membranes and system components is expected to reach $1.8
billion in 2013. The market is expected to reach $3.4 billion in 2018,
and register a CAGR of 13.7%. As per BCC Research, the value of the U.S.
market is expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2013, and is predicted to
reach $2.5 billion in 2018, registering a CAGR of 7.9%.

The falling costs of RO over the past two decades have made the
process competitive with more conventional water supply options. The
factors contributing to reduced costs include greater competition among
equipment suppliers, improved productivity, reduced costs for membrane
modules, improved energy recovery devices that cut plant energy
requirements, and the global trend toward the privatization of water
projects.

This technical market research report
from BCC Research is divided into specific system component chapters.
Quantitative evaluations for the major market segments are provided
historically as well as for a five-year horizon. This report will be of
value to manufacturers, suppliers, and local, state, as well as federal
and foreign governments. Engineers, utilities, and corporate planners
will also benefit by understanding the global component market and
demand drivers for RO systems by purchasing this report.